Articles written by attorneys and experts worldwidediscussing legal aspects related to Insurance.

Now may be the most dangerous time in the short history of self-driving autonomous vehicles when automakers are testing their autonomous self-driving vehicles on the roads and highways in California, across the country and internationally to work the bugs out of their systems. But how will California autonomous self-driving vehicle accident lawyers assess and prove liability in accidents involving these cars once more of them are on the road? This article begins to examine just that.

In 2012 alone, there were over twenty thousand accident victims killed or injured in Orange County. While freeways seem as if they’d be the most dangerous, only about a third of the fatalities and serious injuries occur on the interstates. The majority of victims killed in Orange County accidents lose their lives on surface streets. We list the most dangerous intersections and highways in Orange County where you’re most likely to have your first, next or last and final accident.

If no one involved in a car accident has auto insurance, the situation is complex. It doesn’t matter if a driver who was illegally driving without insurance didn’t cause the accident; he or she generally does not have a case. However, passengers are not legally required to have an insurance policy just to ride in a vehicle. If they suffer injuries in an accident and no insurance policy is available, they can get help through state funds.

California legislators plan to introduce a bill to eliminate the personal belief exemption which allows California parents to refuse to vaccinate their children. Two U.S. senators also want to eliminate the religious exemption. Whether either change is enacted, daycare facilities who fail to protect others from unvaccinated children and parents who fail to vaccinate their children risk liability for any injuries or deaths caused by their child’s spread of the highly contagious measles virus.

On the 22nd of December, 2014 the MFSA commenced a consultation process on proposed amendments to the Insurance Business Act (Cap. 403 of the Laws of Malta) and the Insurance Intermediaries Act (Cap. 487 of the Laws of Malta).

As a result of changes to sexual abuse laws in California and a more liberal statute of limitations, attorneys in California now have a greater chance to pursue perpetrators of sexual abuse and obtain justice for their victims. Thanks in part to greater public awareness of the problem, recent reports in the news, and more women willing to come forward after being abused, a greater number of abuse and molestation victims can at last obtain some measure of justice for the trauma they’ve endured.

In the aftermath of the horrific and deadly attack on the offices of Charlie Hebdo in Paris on January 7, 2015, we examine why parody and satire are cherished forms of free speech and how they are protected by U.S. and U.K. law. When an aggrieved target of satire or parody sues for defamation, or a copyright holder sues when their work is contained in a mashup, can parody, satire, or fair use be utilized as a defense by an attorney? In the U.K., it will help if the parody is funny.

Pedestrian accidents, both with fatalities and injuries are on the rise in the Coachella Valley and officials are concerned. There has been a rash of hit and run accidents all over California this year and the Coachella Valley has not been immune. But it is the total number of pedestrian accidents, hit and run and otherwise that is causing city leaders to consider what can be done to prevent further death and injury to the desert’s residents.

On September 16, 2014, California’s new bike law went into effect requiring motorists to give bicyclists three feet of distance when passing a bike rider. Since the law passed, bicycle collisions continue to occur. Motorists are likely to be cited for breaking the three feet law only if a deputy witnesses the accident. With the initial publicity of the law fading, many drivers remain unaware of the law. And bicyclists will need to continue to look out for drivers coming too close.

The bus crash everyone in Palm Springs remembers most is the bus crash of July 31, 1991 that killed 7 and injured 53 when a chartered school bus carrying Girl Scouts and their chaperones skid 400 feet, overturned, careened off the Palm Springs Aerial Tramway Road, and tumbled down an embankment after its brakes failed. That crash was only one of a number of bus crashes with ties to Palm Springs and Palm Desert. As bad as it was, the FedEx bus crash in 2014 may have even been more horrific.

The stretch of Hwy 74 that runs from Palm Desert toward Mountain Center and then toward Idyllwild as Hwy 243, is a scenic paradise with views of both the desert floor and the pine trees and firs that greet you as you get closer to the Mountain Village of Idyllwild. Known as the Palms to Pines Highway, it is a magnet for motorcycle riders who love the challenge presented by the curves in the road that take them in both directions. It’s also a death trap for the unwary or inexperienced rider.

Hwy 86 runs from Interstate 10 to Calexico. It passes through Indio, Thermal, Brawley and El Centro. Once known as “The Killer Highway,” stoplights were installed at some intersections to prevent broadside collisions. Anyone who’s driven the highway, knows it’s still dangerous because of the cross traffic. Now, once again, the highway is taking its toll.

The truck speed limit on the I-10 through the Coachella Valley is 55 mph. Most truckers drive through the valley at faster speeds. It would be easy to blame all of the big rig crashes and tractor-trailer rollovers in the Coachella Valley on speed, but there are too many other factors, including the negligence of others. With trucks that can weigh as much as 80,000 pounds, the passengers in cars and pickups they hit have a lesser chance to survive.

The families of hit and run victims in Cathedral City and their attorneys just want answers. How can a bicyclist be hit by a hit and run vehicle, then a second pedestrian be hit by the same vehicle just moments later, then hit a second time by a paramedics vehicle transporting the first victim, and then hit yet by yet a third hit and run vehicle? These deaths in October 2014 would be just two in a string of recent hit and run wrongful deaths in the Coachella Valley.

It’s that time of year, Christmas, that dangerous time in California for drivers and pedestrians which accident attorneys and insurance adjusters know all too well. It’s Christmas. People in cars and pedestrians alike are distracted. They’re shopping, and coming from Christmas parties. Some are unfamiliar with the roads. Others forget what to do when it starts to rain.

At least 182 people have died on CA Hwy 62 since 2002. More than 90 lives have been lost since 2007. The risks of dying on Hwy 62 make this highway a dangerous road to travel and the stretch of Hwy 62 from 29 Palms to Palm Springs one of the most dangerous stretches of highway in California. Marines from the Twentynine Palms Marine Corps Air Ground Combat Center and personal injury attorneys who represent grieving families know all too well what is known as “The Killer Highway.”

The Financial Ombudsmen Service (“FOS”) resolves disputes between consumers and businesses. So if you want to complain about a Directors & Officers policy, clearly a ‘business’ policy, even if you are claiming in what appears to be a personal capacity, does that fall within the jurisdiction? FOS thought yes, but the broker against whom the director complained in this case asked the Court to review FOS’s jurisdiction.

Indexed Universal Life insurance policies are a rather popular type of life insurance. However, there are several concerns associated with Indexed Universal Life policies that one should be familiar with.

Whistleblowers brought two False Claims Act lawsuits for Medicare fraud against UnitedHealth Group, Inc. the first in 2011 and the second in 2014. The U.S. Department of Justice joins these whistleblower lawsuits against UnitedHealth Group, Inc. for Medicare fraud.

The effect of climate change is not only an environmental problem today as it directly relates to the resource based industries. In today’s world, the scientific assessments lead the players of energy to reflect on their project viability. In direct proportion to the growth in financing renewable projects, insurance companies and underwriters are also expected to formulate their risk assessments on resource-oriented allocation models.

Individuals and families purchase life insurance policies for one reason: peace of mind. The purpose of life insurance is to provide protection in the rare but devastating event of the death of a loved one.

A Texas judge has rejected a motion by Life Partners Holdings, Inc. to toss a class action lawsuit filed by investors who allege they were misled by the life settlements company. Three Life Partners executives were also named in the lawsuit, which alleges that the company fraudulently misrepresented the nature of life settlements that were sold to investors, making them appear more valuable than they actually were.

Be absolutely free from the driving rules - is the most popular "law" in the Egypt for car holders. There are probably only women drive carefully but that fact doesn't decrease the count of accidents with people on the streets. Car accident may happen with anyone in any country. Here an a real example of financial fraud according to the car troubles.

An Arkansas Court recently overturned an Aetna denial of long term disability benefits because Aetna relied on a flawed vocational assessment report which listed jobs that the claimant was not actually qualified to perform.

In September 2012, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) submitted to the Parliament a bill of law on the Insurance Code for discussion and adoption prior to its promulgation by the head of State and publication in the official gazette in accordance with articles 100, paragraph 2 and 130 to 137 of the DRC constitution.

In South Africa, (re)insurance companies are regulated by the Financial Services Board (“FSB”) which is the government agency responsible for the non-banking financial services industry, including (re)insurance. It is an independent body that supervises and regulates the financial services industry in the public interest.

So how do you know what’s covered and by which policy? That will mainly depend on the specific wording in your policy, but there are some features that are pretty much the same in all cases. Here’s a basic breakdown of flood and water damage insurance.

Contracts talk about them, statutes mention them, even TV sitcoms joke about them, but what are acts of God? Many people might think they have a good idea, but given that insurance is often designed to protect against most catastrophes except acts of God, how confident are you that you actually know what is covered?

Every year, millions of Americans engage in office parties around the traditional holiday season. Sometimes these are at the boss's house, a country club, a nice restaurant, or even somewhere at the office itself. But, is the party considered a work function? Could there legally be a consequence for not attending, even if it is after hours? And, what happens if someone is injured, either at the party or on the way to or from it?

A life insurance company got a letter from an elderly lady. It read, “I’m sorry, but I have to cancel my husband’s life insurance policy. He died last year and I cannot afford to continue paying his premiums.” Joking aside, life insurance companies often look for reasons not to pay claims whenever possible.

Millions of Americans work from home, either all of the time or on occasion. But, if a fire, flood, or natural disaster were to hit your home, would your insurance cover the lost business revenues, office equipment, or property belonging to your company?

The Superior Court (OLG) of Karlsruhe has ruled that in spite of separate cost equalization agreements, life insurance carriers are not entitled upon cancellation to receive payment for any not yet amortized set-up and handling fees.

By working together on litigating insurance claims, public adjusters and attorneys can obtain beneficial outcomes for their client. In their partnership, each will use their unique skill set to recover the maximum possible compensation for the claimant.

When any sort of natural disaster hits, it can be terrifying. Once it has passed, though, victims are often left wondering what they need to do to pick up the pieces. Is there anything they need to do in filing their insurance claims to make sure that they will get paid soon and as much as possible? This is especially important for those whose houses are destroyed and who have lost everything.

Insurance is a contract by which the insurer commits to indemnify in case there is a risk of damage for the insured’s interest that has actual cash value or because of the events that happen in the insured’s life in return for the payment of premium. The contracts of insurance are divided into two categories as Life and Non-Life insurance contracts which are regulated in general in the Turkish Commercial Code and particularly in the Insurance Law

Insurance is often a very complicated topic for many to understand. Riddled with unique jargon, overlapping and sometimes contradictory concepts, and inconsistent interpretations, it can be quite confusing to the average person. One example of where this confusion may arise is in the distinction between short- and long term-disability coverage.

Most businesses need a plan for dealing with unexpected situations. Usually, that plan includes insurance policies. But law firms and lawyers face unique circumstances most other professions never face. So what sorts of insurance should law firms obtain to best manage their risks?

Insurance bad faith, also known as “insurance fraud" is the term used to describe the mistreatment of consumers and businesses by insurance carriers. It usually applies to situations in which an insurance company refuses to pay out a settlement pursuant to the terms of its insurance contract with the person or entity they claim to insure.

Louisiana tops the nation for auto insurance rates for the second year in a row. According to an industry study produced by a website named Insure, an insurance industry website, Louisiana drivers pay an average of $2,699 annually for their car insurance. Michigan and Georgia are ranked at two and three and currently the nationwide average for insurance premiums is roughly $1,500 annually.

It’s time for everyone along the east coast to ready their Hurricane Preparedness Plan, and the law firm of Panter, Panter & Sampedro, P.A. have prepared some tips to help prevent unnecessary injuries and damage to property.

In 2009 there were more than 89,000 people that were injured in car accidents in Illinois. In addition, 911 people were killed in fatal car accidents. After an Illinois car accident, it is important to consult an experienced personal injury attorney before negotiating with the insurance company for compensation.

You met with a motor accident, and your medical expanses were covered by insurance. Are you entitled to claim from the wrongdoer as well? The answer would appear to be a resounding yes, but it is not so simple...

In September 2012, the Government of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC) submitted to the Parliament a bill of law on the Insurance Code for discussion and adoption prior to its promulgation by the head of State and publication in the official gazette in accordance with articles 100, paragraph 2 and 130 to 137 of the DRC constitution.

It is estimated that one in seven drivers in the United States are consistently operating motor vehicles without insurance coverage. This article discusses the rise in uninsured motorist accidents and the need for people to review their insurance coverage to determine that they would be able to receive monetary compensation from their own carrier in the event of an accident with an uninsured driver.

The system of civil and commercial liability in Dominican Republic is based on the French Civil Code of 1804. The litigious process is an adaptation of 19th Century French civil procedure legislation with a certain number of updates and modifications.

This Article addresses life insurance claims in North Carolina, and some issues that frequently arise in these claims, including whether the death is accidental, and whether the insured made a misrepresentation in the policy application. Life insurance claims in North Carolina are governed by the policy itself, state statutes, and sometimes federal ERISA laws.

Depression, bipolar disorder and post-traumatic stress disorder (PTSD) are three similar mental illnesses with defining symptoms and characteristics. People afflicted by these mental health issues are often times unable to work, making it difficult to pay bills and other expenses. In this article, we detail the challenges people face while trying to obtain long term disability benefits.

On the 3rd of July, 2012, the European Commission adopted a proposal for the revision of the Insurance Mediation Directive (“IMD”) which is part of a wider legislative package focusing on consumer protection related issues.

The world of law, tax and real estate continue to become more and more complex. Costs can be a strong deterrent to a person seeking professional advice. Wischmeyer Professional Services Access Plan allows employers to provide valuable resources to their employees at minimal cost and can even benefit themselves. Access to free consultations with an attorney, accountant or real estate agent with discounts if services are needed for professional resources and services.

The Obama administration has been asking individuals who have suffered improper medical care to report such instances of neglect. It is hoped that the information that will be reported will aid in an overall better health care environment for the nation.

The Arizona Court of Appeals recently upheld a trial court's reduction of a $55 million punitive damages award to only $620,000 and further reduced the punitive damages to $155,000-a 1:1 ratio to compensatory damages.

David Glatthorn discusses the repercussions of the new Personal Injury Protection (PIP) coverage laws and what they will mean for Florida drivers and the professionals who treat their injuries. A group of chiropractors, massage therapists and acupuncturists have filed a lawsuit against the state of Florida regarding the new Personal Injury Protection (PIP) insurance coverage laws that were passed by state lawmakers this spring.

Uninsured Motorist Benefits are coverage for bodily injury or damages after you were hit by another driver who either had no insurance or who left the scene and who remains unknown. Uninsured Motorist coverage is an important thing to have on your car insurance. It protects you and your family against other drivers at fault who either: (1) have no insurance or (2) flee the scene and remain unknown.

This is an article regarding insurance law. Many times, the court will be presented with a subrogation in which an insurance company that has given compensation to a policy holder for cargo damages takes his place and sues the related parties in the transportation network whom they hold responsible for the damage, for instance: the port, the marine carrier, the air forwarder, the warehouse, the international delivery company etc.

Importance of Having an Inventory List When Pursuing a Residential Theft Claim in Texas - When theft to your home occurs, you will need to file a Texas homeowners insurance claim for the items that were stolen and the damage that may have been done to your house. If you ever have to pursue a theft claim in Texas, you may have to show proof of ownership of the items that are damaged or missing.

When theft or vandalism to your home occurs, the aftermath of the situation can leave you stressed, as you may be trying to remember everything the thieves stole. Have you walked in your front door only to find that your home has been vandalized? This horrible situation may leave you feeling violated and scared for your safety. Not only are you left with the mess that this situation created, but you also have to deal with the insurance company, which can be an exhausting and frustrating process.

When the Ground Gives Way in Texas – 5 Critical Things Every Home Owner Should Know - Sinkholes come in many different sizes - some small and others that grow up to 40 to 60 feet deep and wide. When a sinkhole develops on your property in Texas, no matter the size, it can be dangerous. Not only can a sinkhole disrupt your life, but it could also damage your home and property and injure people you love.

A homes roof must be physically inspected by a person who has training and experience to determine if there is actual hail damage. Insurance companies send their adjusters to special training so they can properly identify hail damage to a home. And, the insurance company is generally NOT ON YOUR SIDE. You may be thinking to yourself that you remember a hail storm but looked up at your roof and did not notice any damage. The fact of the matter is you can’t see hail storm damage from the ground.

If you have come home from a long day at work to find your house destroyed by a mudslide, or if you wake up one morning to find that your porch and garage are not attached to your home anymore because of a mudslide, you may not know where to turn and what to do after suffering this serious damage to your house. You are most likely feeling shocked that this could have happened to you and overwhelmed about what to do next.

When high winds are coupled with larger hailstones, serious damage may occur to your home and property. Some damage is noticed right away, such as broken windows and indentations on your car, or dents to the side of your home; however, sometimes hailstones can damage things unseen. A roof is typically a good example of this.

The insurance company has to pay you the actual cash value of your car or truck if it was totaled in a car accident in Pennsylvania. Pennsylvania Insurance Law provides that you are to be reimbursed for property damage if your car was totaled. The law says the insurance company owes you for the "actual cash value" of the vehicle. This means that the actual market value of your car or truck is what they owe you.

Life insurance seems like it is handed out like flyers on the Las Vegas strip. It’s a dirty business with insurance companies collecting premiums and hoping you don’t die before the policy expires, or looking for a reason to delay or deny payment if you do die. The purpose of this article is to provide an overview of life insurance claims.

The Appraisal Clause is meant to be the method for determining disputed values. Appraisal cannot be used to determine what is covered. That is for a court of law to decide. If you have dispute with the company on whether or not something is covered, then you must file a lawsuit against your insurer to get that determination. Two of the most commonly misused and misunderstood terms in the insurance world are "appraisal" and "arbitration".

Tip 1 -- Don't assume NO is final - Did you know that less than 1% of claimants query the decision when a claim is denied? Yet, over 50% of those who do fight back get results. So, you've got a good chance of winning if you fight back. 10% of claims are unjustly denied, so if you are aware your claim is legitimate, and you've not indulged in any creative claiming, you have a good chance -- even if they've said no.

Filing a Texas Homeowners Insurance Claim During Tornado Season - When a tornado strikes, the first instinct you should have is to get yourself and your family to safety. But what about the aftermath of the storm, when you see the devastating damage to your home and reality sinks in? In Texas, tornados have been known to leave you with wind or hail damage, broken windows, roof damage, wall damage and more.

While shipowners have a duty to transport goods with due diligence in seaworthy vessels and to deliver goods to their rightful owners as set forth in bills of lading, the business of transporting goods by sea is fraught with hazards. If you have suffered a loss of cargo, it is important to consult with a lawyer with specialized knowledge in the shipping industry right away.